Division of Clinical Psychology

Postdoctoral Fellowship in Administration and Evaluation Psychology

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The University of Colorado Denver, Postdoctoral Fellowship in Administration and Evaluation Psychology is an integral component of Colorado’s workforce development. This reality-based program was developed in 1992 to give psychologists the skill-set they needed to become effective leaders, administrators, researchers and evaluators in community systems of care, particularly the public mental health system. The UCD Department of Psychiatry in partnership with community stakeholders developed the program in response to perceived gaps in the higher education of psychologists. Fellows experience an intensive 12-month training which uniquely positions them for the healthcare marketplace. In 2004 the program won the award for educational innovation from the Annapolis Coalition on Behavioral Health Workforce Education.

This program is designed to provide behavioral health training in the areas of program evaluation, administration/ management, public policy, and leadership for new or mid-career psychologists. The fellowship year is from October 1st-September 31st. Through a matching process, each fellow is placed in non-profit (e.g, state departments, community mental health centers) or for-profit (e.g., program evaluation firms, managed care companies) mentoring settings 4 days a week. Community experts within these sites will provide extensive supervision. The fifth day of the week is spent at the UCD Department of Psychiatry for individual/group supervision, seminars, research, and consultation. When the Colorado legislature is in session, fellows also receive hands-on experience of the legislative process. Individual programs for each fellow will be developed, based on each agency's and fellow's needs and career goals. Participation in the weekly seminar series is mandatory, and participation in other electives is encouraged. The program will provide the opportunity to obtain licensure hours, and fellows are expected to work toward licensure during the year (e.g., EPPP preparation).

The fellowship has between two and five fellows each year that are placed four days a week at community agencies. Sites must provide a strong mentoring environment where fellows have the opportunity to learn directly from community decision makers. Previous placements have included Colorado Mental Health Services, community mental health centers, Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education, managed care organizations, Department of Corrections, and program evaluation organizations. Fellows are expected to play a substantial role at their sites. A few examples of projects postdoctoral fellows have taken the lead on since 2001 include:

Data collection for the Mental Health Statistics Improvement Program (MHSIP)

Assertive Community Treatment Pilot for Individuals Involved with Criminal Justice